By Marline Atieno
In a decisive move to bolster the nation’s healthcare system, Principal Secretary (PS) Harry Kimtai has announced a Ksh 1.2 billion allocation dedicated to procuring essential vaccines.
This funding comes as a response to the urgent need to address the current shortage of vaccines, particularly those required for children’s immunization.
In a statement on Thursday, Medical Services PS Harry Kimtai acknowledged that the nation faces a shortage of the BCG vaccine, Oral Polio Vaccine and Measles Rubella Vaccine, with only two months’ worth of stock remaining.
Read more: MOH Addresses Shortage of Vaccines in Kenya
PS Kimtai also disclosed that stock levels for most other routine childhood vaccines, including those supported by Gavi (such as Pneumococcal, Rotavirus, HPV and Malaria vaccines), are low with only three to six months’ supply remaining.
To prevent a crisis, Kimtai mentioned that the ministry is closely monitoring vaccine usage across the country and coordinating the redistribution of vaccines between counties to address the shortages.
“Mechanisms for ‘accelerated transition planning’ from Gavi support are being developed, which include investigating innovative methods for sustainable financing of vaccine procurement and program operations,” Kimtai stated.
“We are in discussions with the National Treasury to secure increased and dedicated funding for the immunization program,” he added.
He mentioned that the Ministry of Health is working closely with healthcare workers and keeping them updated on the steps being taken to address the current situation.
According to the statement, the Ministry of Health indicated that actions such as redistribution of vaccines, expediting delivery with UNICEF and transition planning are being taken to address the shortage.
Despite challenges, efforts aim to ensure vaccine availability by June 2024.